Options for $1k or less DAC?

Today, I am using this DAC with the Benchmark HPA4 preamp.
https://soundnews.net/sources/dacs/matrix-audio-mini-i-pro-3-third-time-s-a-charm/

It sounds great with my headphones, Meze Empy + Topping A90 amp. I am going back and forth whether I like it on my uber revealing 2 channel system. This DAC will eventually go back to headphone duties so it does not matter

It has the following features and very good sound for $899 MSRP (I bought for $749 on Black Friday)

- 7 filters with graphics to show the frequency curves
- Beautiful screen that shows album cover
- MQA
- AirPlay2, Wifi, Ethernet, Android connectivity via Bluetoooth codecs such as AptX-HD and LDAC
- Remote
- Coaxial, Optical, IIS LVDS, USB Audio, Bluetooth and Streaming
- ROON READY (soon)
- Headphone (never tried it)
- Preamp and volume control (I do not use it)

@jjss49 There are things I prefer about the sound of the MHDT Labs Orchid, it is smoother and a little easier to listen to than the Bifrost.  The OP asked about DACs under $1K.  If they can stretch their budget then the Orchid is more than worthy of consideration.  

In terms of the systems I have heard the Bifrost in, the first was in my friend's system which at the time consisted of a Line Magnetic LM-805iA and Harbeth 40.2 speakers.  One of the best sounding systems I've heard.  The system I use mine in is a small near-field system consisting of a Simaudio 600i and Harbeth P3ESRs.  In both cases, the Bifrost is using USB, which it seems to do very well.

Not putting down the OP's system, but at the level it is currently at, the Bifrost would be the best component in their system.

As to my hearing, I'll pretend I didn't hear that comment.

If interested in a DAC with tube output:

MHDT make DACs under $1000.

The Jolida/Black Ice DAC is on sale for $700  by Underwood HIFI.

I appreciate all the suggestions on tubes.  Having build a few tube guitar amps and the Bottlehead Crack, I'm definitely sold on the technology.  However, I've always thought that you have to spend way more than $1k to get a unit that does it "right".

...to help quantify the above -- In the guitar world there are loads of pedals and gear that have a single 12a*7 in a preamp section to warm up the sound; all while keeping the power section solid state.  I'm sure it matters to some extent to the sound, but most of the magic of guitar tube sound comes from an over driven power section.  The difference in pricepoint between the two different configurations are typically double or triple. 

Anyway, I'm not sure how this translates to the HiFi world knowing that we all want clean / clear power for our listening.  But when I see tube dacs for $500-$800 I'm skeptical.  

Having said all of that, I'm *not* interested in an analytical presentation of music which perhaps is another vote for tubes (at a high level).